The Columbia Falls speech and debate team took top honors in Polson last week, beating rivals Stevensville and Hamilton at a Dec. 14 meet.

The team was lead by Meredith Stolte and Monique Schoech in policy debate, Lexi Corbett in original oratory, and Bailey Duke in serious oral interpretation.

The event was a prelude to the state competition. Hamilton is expected to be one of Columbia Falls main competitors.

“As we head into the winter break, the team is now focusing on improving their individual pieces for the state competition,” coach Tara Norick said. “Our team is well balanced between debate and speech, making us a competitor for the state trophy.”

The team won the Polson meet without top speaker Mason Gedlaman, who was playing in a basketball tournament.

Norick credits assistant coaches Kim Gane and Leslie DiMaio for the squad’s success.

“I couldn’t ask for better coaches,” she said. “Kim’s and Leslie’s dedication, coaching and ability to connect with students are what makes this team strong.”

The Wildcats will go on Christmas break and then travel to Bozeman for a meet Jan. 10-11.

Other results from Polson:

Lincoln-Douglas debate

4th Allison Foust

6th Maddie Mantell

Novice Lincoln-

Douglas debate

7th Anna Nicosia

Policy debate

6th Annabel Conger and Mara Barnes

9th Colin Norick and Colter Norick

Original oratory

4th Kendra Skelton

Memorized public address

3rd Breanna Friar

4th Bailey Duke

6th Alex Damon

Impromptu speaking

3rd Cody Phillips

8th Casey Shea

9th Henry Chisholm

Expository speaking

4th Yeo Chung

5th Baylee Brinton

Humorous oral

interpretation

3rd Mark Hader

9th Lexi Corbett

Serious oral interpretation

2nd Mark Hader

6th Breanna Friar

9th Garrett Role